time-sharing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “time-sharing” mean?
The practice of using a resource (especially a computer) simultaneously by multiple users through allocation of individual time slices.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice of using a resource (especially a computer) simultaneously by multiple users through allocation of individual time slices.
The shared ownership or use of a property (e.g., a vacation home) by different people who each have the right to use it for a specified period each year.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term similarly. The property sense ('timeshare') is equally common in both. The computing sense is now somewhat historical, replaced by 'multi-user systems', 'cloud computing', etc.
Connotations
In computing: slightly dated, evokes early computing history. In property: can have negative connotations due to aggressive sales tactics and complex contracts.
Frequency
Higher frequency in property/tourism contexts than in computing today.
Grammar
How to Use “time-sharing” in a Sentence
The mainframe operated on a time-sharing basis.They invested in a time-sharing property in Spain.The university's computer system used time-sharing to serve multiple terminals.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “time-sharing” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The university's mainframe offered time-sharing to all departments.
- They regretted buying the time-sharing in Tenerife.
American English
- Time-sharing was a revolutionary concept in 1960s computing.
- The sales pitch for the Florida time-sharing was very persuasive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to property ownership models or legacy computing infrastructure.
Academic
Used in computer science history to describe early multi-user operating systems (e.g., CTSS, Multics).
Everyday
Almost exclusively refers to shared vacation property ownership.
Technical
Historical computing term; in property law, refers to the legal structure of shared ownership rights.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “time-sharing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “time-sharing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “time-sharing”
- Using 'time-sharing' for real-time systems (different concept).
- Writing as one word 'timesharing' in formal technical contexts (hyphen is standard).
- Confusing with 'time-slicing' (which is a scheduling technique, not a user model).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The specific term is largely historical. The concept is foundational but is now described as 'multi-user systems', 'cloud computing', or 'virtualization'.
They are often interchangeable for the property meaning. 'Time-sharing' is the more formal, full term, while 'timeshare' (one word) is the common commercial and casual term for vacation property.
Rarely. The verb form is not standard. You would say 'to use a time-sharing system' or 'to own a timeshare'.
Primarily in the property context, due to complex, long-term contracts, difficult resale processes, and aggressive sales practices associated with some companies in the industry.
The practice of using a resource (especially a computer) simultaneously by multiple users through allocation of individual time slices.
Time-sharing is usually technical / formal in register.
Time-sharing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪm ˌʃeə.rɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪm ˌʃer.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a timeshare, not a forever-home.”
- “He's stuck in a time-sharing agreement he can't exit.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TIME is SHARED between users or owners.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A SLICEABLE RESOURCE (like a cake divided into portions for different people).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT a common context for 'time-sharing'?